Annual Report 2019-2020

2019-2020 Annual Report

A Letter from our Executive Director Shelby Williams-Gonzalez

Dear Friends,

The past year has presented many challenges to our students, our community of artists and our educational ecosystem as a whole. COVID-19 has brought to the surface what many of us have known for years; that inequity is real and the opportunity gap is only growing. And yet despite the challenges, our students continue to work hard, create and connect with the resources of our great city. Certainly the path forward is unclear and filled with uncertainty but we are committed to continuing to close the opportunity gap and support our young people. Together we can do this so let's take a moment to celebrate what we accomplished this past year.

In its 28 years, artworxLA has proudly served 15,000 students with over 400 teaching artists leading creative artmaking activities in 50 classrooms and partnerships with nearly 100 cultural institutions. We thank our cultural and school partners, supporters and funders, volunteers and creative community.

I urge you to read our Annual Report 2019-2020 and become involved as an advocate by mentoring, investing in youth development, voting for arts education, and volunteering. This year’s 2019-2020 Annual Report outlines our impact with highlights from Partnerships for Good, Design and Media Arts Academy, Community Engagement, to our Response to COVID-19.

artworxLA advances equity in educational opportunities and creative career readiness for LA alternative high school teenagers. We are particularly grateful for your support during what has turned out be a very difficult time, particularly for the youth of Los Angeles. artworxLA continues refining its approach by leveraging a network of partnerships with artists and creative professionals, cultural centers, and colleges/universities. We use the rich cultural resources of Los Angeles to engage students in the arts and help them pursue a positive plan for their future.

Your support and encouragement help make it possible for artworxLA to deliver its arts education programs paving career pathways for over 1,000 high-risk youth at 32 classroom sites during 2019/20 academic year. I look forward to your ideas, input and opportunities, of how together we can continue cultivating creativity and community for LA’s diverse youth.

With Gratitude,
Shelby Williams-Gonzalez
Executive Director

This year's annual report was designed by Sarah McNerney.
Check out her work at www.sarahmcnerney.com.